Villa Hostilina

A lovely converted villa just outside the town centre - a short walk away. We stayed for 3 nights and it was a great base from which to explore the local area. It was very quiet, peaceful and relaxing and the host was very welcoming. The breakfasts were good and much more than the coffee and roll we had been told to expect in Portugal. With regard to the previous comment about cats - we only saw one cat in the garden!

We also planned to stay one night but stayed two because it was so blissfully tranquil. It is difficult to find as it is a couple of kilometres up the hill out of town and the access is very narrow. The house, run by an elderly couple, is a time warp, totally furnished with antiques, pretty but a bit rundown gardens full of fruit trees surround the large swimming pool. Our room was small and the bed was very small but comfortable. No tv, no hairdryer, no shampoo/gel which for 65€ per night I think should be included. The dining room is lovely and the breakfast plentiful with freshly squeezed orange juice, home-made cakes, bread, ham and cheese, yogurt, cereal, tea (cha preto com leite frio) or coffee. There isnt a bar but we were able to buy drinks from them while we were at the pool. The whole experience is very pleasant and totally relaxing. And there are cats everywhere!

We stayed just one night here and was tempted to stay here longer. Why? Villa has a special charm, because of the building, gardens and owners. It's an old house - old villa with charming garden (a bit Italian style with terraces full of shrubs and high cypress hedge), swimming pool, outdoor shower and cute wildlife (found a small hedgehog, bunch of friendly cats). Rooms are of good size, with a nice bathroom. The owners are a great couple, very friendly. Breakfast was also a great experience, good food and beautiful cutlery, small crystal bowls for jam etc. Location is on the outskirt of Lamego, hidden at narrow one-way street. Quite hard to find, specially if you don't have GPS or can't find anyone to give you directions. After staying in hostels (good and bad) and hotels, stay at Villa Hostilina was something for the soul. I look forward to my next stay there.